Thousands across Northamptonshire urged to renew their tax credits

50,900 people who receive tax credits in Northamptonshire are being urged to renew their claim online as soon as possible ahead of the deadline in July.

People who don’t renew by the deadline will have their payments stopped.

For the first time anyone can now renew online, regardless of what changes they have to make.

Previously, large numbers of customers had to call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or renew by post.

Across the county 50,900 people claim tax credits. Of that 18,100 live in Northampton.In Corby there are 6,700 claimants, 4,100 in Daventry district, 5,100 in East Northamptonshire, 7,000 in Kettering, 3,400 in South Northamptonshire, and 6,500 in Wellingborough

When customers renew their claim, they must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income.

Nick Lodge, HMRC’s Director General, Benefits and Credits, said: “This is an exceptionally busy time of the year for HMRC, as millions of people renew their tax credits.

“Phone lines may be very busy with long wait times possible. Using our online service means that you can renew at any time of the day or night, and on any device, without having to call us at all.

“Online help can also answer most queries or issues that you may have. We urge everyone who can to go online.

“People in Northamptonshire should check their details and renew early to ensure they get the right money. The sooner people renew their claim, the sooner we can check payments are correct, meaning we avoid paying too little money, or too much, which claimants then have to be pay back.”

Online help and information on tax credits renewals is available on GOV.UK or via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers.

HMRC has begun sending tax credits renewal packs. The packs are sent out from April to June in advance of the July 31 deadline.